Imogen on Andy
What were you hoping for?
Something to tell the group chat that would elicit more 😮 reactions than usual.
First impressions?
Polite, nice hands, early.
What did you talk about?
We covered most of the world’s topics, my favourite being whether having an AI boyfriend is functionally the same as being in a long-distance relationship (I admit that was slight rage bait).
Most awkward moment?
I jokingly asked for a compliment on my outfit and he said he didn’t really like it. I told him white lies exist for a reason …
Good table manners?
Excellent – my water glass was never empty and our food was always perfectly shared down the middle. (By the way, best roast of my life.)
Best thing about Andy?
An unparalleled debate partner who called me out when he disagreed with me (which I appreciated).
Would you introduce Andy to your friends?
My single ones would love him.
Q&AFancy a blind date?
Show
Blind date is Saturday’s dating column: every week, two
strangers are paired up for dinner and drinks, and then spill the beans
to us, answering a set of questions. This runs, with a photograph we
take of each dater before the date, in Saturday magazine (in the
UK) and online at theguardian.com every Saturday. It’s been running since 2009 – you can read all about how we put it together here.
What questions will I be asked?
We
ask about age, location, occupation, hobbies, interests and the type of
person you are looking to meet. If you do not think these questions
cover everything you would like to know, tell us what’s on your mind.
Can I choose who I match with?
No,
it’s a blind date! But we do ask you a bit about your interests,
preferences, etc – the more you tell us, the better the match is likely
to be.
Can I pick the photograph?
No, but don’t worry: we’ll choose the nicest ones.
What personal details will appear?
Your first name, job and age.
How should I answer?
Honestly
but respectfully. Be mindful of how it will read to your date, and that
Blind date reaches a large audience, in print and online.
Will I see the other person’s answers?
No. We may edit yours and theirs for a range of reasons, including length, and we may ask you for more details.
Will you find me The One?
We’ll try! Marriage! Babies!
Can I do it in my home town?
Only if it’s in the UK. Many of our applicants live in London, but we would love to hear from people living elsewhere.
How to apply
Email blind.date@theguardian.com
Describe Andy in three words
Witty, self-aware, circumspect.
What do you think Andy made of you?
He swore he wasn’t, but I felt as if he might have been a bit overwhelmed by me – especially when I asked what his dream wedding would look like.
Did you go on somewhere?
We went to the pub, then threw sticks for his dog Bella in the park (11/10 for her).
And … did you kiss?
Cheek only.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
Make it 5C cooler so I didn’t have to fan myself like an aghast Victorian maiden.
Marks out of 10?
6.6.
Would you meet again?
To debate, or to dog-walk.
Andy on Imogen
What were you hoping for?
To be able to say, “You’ll never guess how we met.”
First impressions?
What a whirlwind.
What did you talk about?
Living abroad and learning languages. Tarot cards. The joy of dancing. The insufficiency of men. Autism.
Most awkward moment?
When Imogen asked why I hadn’t complimented her outfit.
Good table manners?
Flawless – glasses were attended at all times, swear words used only at appropriate points, all waiting staff were treated with admiration.
Best thing about Imogen?
Her openness and love of all things strange and interesting.
Would you introduce Imogen to your friends?
Yes.
Describe Imogen in three words
Charismatic, intelligent, direct.
What do you think Imogen made of you?
She told me I was a nerd, and we related in our passion for various things novel and brave – so an adventurous nerd?
Did you go on somewhere?
We did – to a pub, and then for a walk.
And … did you kiss?
On the cheek.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
I’d have complimented her outfit.
Marks out of 10?
8.
Would you meet again?
I think Imogen could probably make anything a party, so yes.
Imogen and Andy ate at Wilson’s, London, SE13. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com
